Home Blended Spice Mixes

 I love making up different spice mixes and blends.  I know many say why make them when you can just go out and buy them.

Well my answer to that is - NO modified food starch, NO MSG, No hydrogenated oils, NO preservatives.  I like that I can get or grow pure spices and herbs and blend them myself.  They just taste so much better.

Many times I can get large containers of pure spices and herbs at ethnic stores for little money.  If you are careful and keep watch you can find them at other stores.  I grow a lot of herbs myself and use them after drying.

SEASONED SALT

8 Tbsp. salt  (I use pink Himalayan)

1/2 tsp. onion powder

3 Tbsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbsp. paprika

Blend together and use as a general seasoning

LEMON PEPPER

2 Tbsp.  lemon zest

3 Tbsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. salt

(I often make my own by using dehydrated lemon balm and adding to pepper and I have also mixed dehydrated lemon thyme with pepper - great on fish dishes)

KRAZY SALT

3 Tbsp. onion flakes

2 Tbsp. garlic flakes

1 tsp. oregano

1 Tbsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. basil

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 tsp. marjoram

Mix together and store in a dry container.  I LOVE this stuff on salads - it just takes a fresh salad to another level.

This is what the store bought looks like.  I used to find it everywhere and now hardly no one sells it.  I think the last I found was at the Christmas Tree Shoppe.  SO I decided to make my own!!!!!!!

TACO SEASONING

6 tsp. chili powder

4 1/2 tsp. cumin

3 tsp. onion powder

5 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. oregano

Mix together and store in airtight container.  You may use a little less than store bought, as it has intense flavor.

CHERYL'S SPECIAL BLEND

I have no exact measurement for my special blend.  I just wing it, and it varies a little each time I make it.  I make a lot at one time and keep in a dark Mason jar.

This is fantastic in soups and stews - adds so much flavor.  I have gifted it as well - and it was a hit.

Dried tomato peels - dry and crush

Home grown basil

Home grown thyme

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Dehydrated onion flakes

Home grown savory

Basically you can add whatever you like.  Start with a little (write down what you do!) and then go from there.

I use this for flavor in many things.

Never be afraid to mix things up and experiment.  You may find the next big deal for your cooking!

**I do add a desiccant  pack to my jars.  I keep the little packs that come in medical herbs/vitamins that I buy over the counter. 

There are so many fun spice mixes out there.  I will try to list more later on.

These are the basics that I use ALL the time.

You can mix as much as you like to keep on hand and always be ready.  Store in airtight containers.

Remember you can dehydrate your own onion and garlic if desired - and grind.  You can also grind your own peppercorns.  Tends to keep things more pure!

Have fun and SPICE THINGS UP a bit!